Dirigible-headlight mechanism for automobiles



AugQ14, 1923.

F. E. WILCOX ET AL DIRIGIBLE HEADLIGHT MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILES z Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 14, 1923.

F. E. WLCOX ET AL DIRIGIBLE HEADLIGHT MECHANISM FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed sept. 1s. 1922 NSM Patented Aug. 14, 1923. Y SATES FREDERICK E.. WILCOX AND JOHN W.

lulhit it i `FUNK, 0F HANOVER, PENNSYLVANIA.

DIRIGIBLE-HEADLIGHT MECHANISBI FOR AUTOMOBILES.

AppIication led September 13, 1922. Serial No. 588,092.

known to the art as dirigible headlights, v

are so mounted in or upon their supports as to he capable ot an oscillatory movement thereon in the horizontal plane, and the peculiar mechanism through which such movement is to be determined by the steering wheels of the vehicle, for the purpose ot illuminating theroadway that is to be tollowed by said wheels.k Y

To the end above stated the invention has tor one of its principal objects the provision ot means new to the art, whereby without the employment of pressure springs ot any kind whatsoever, or of jam or pressure nuts or similar devices, theheadlights ot an automobile while tree .to beeasily oseillated in or upon their supports to any desired extent by their actuating devices, are yet held absolutelyfrommovement oi any kind upon their supports when such actuating devices are not in action.

Anotherfo;F the principal. objects of the invention is the provision of means whereby the headlightsupon the opposite sides Vot an automobile are so connected together and to their actuating` medium, i. e. the rod which connects the spindles of-the forward wheels ot .such :vehicle together, that swayingr or rocking oit the body of the vehicle .uponA its springs, or jars due to the movement oit' the wheels ot the vehicle over ruts, roclrsror uneven portions ot a roadway, or the lateral vibrationot the wheels themselves will in no way affect the perfect alignment or afrtionotthe headlights or in any way injure them orthe mechanism by which they are connected and actuated.

AY further object of the invention is the provision of new and simple system tor the actuation oi" H...igible headlights for automobilesthat may be readily applied to ditte l ot such vehicles without mainve'ntiom and in such view hicle are turned Vterial alteration of such parts thereof as is necessary to theraction of such system.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a dirigible headlight actuating system which shall be comprised of a minimum of operative parts of simple and durable type and construction.

To the accomplishment of the' above set :forth objects the invention consists in the `construction arrangement and combination of the several parts comprised therein for service substantially as is hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, -wherein Figure l, is a front elevation of the running` gear and body the latter partly broken away) of an automobile provided with our all parts not comprised in such invention or immediately lconnected to actuate the same, are shown in dotted lines.

Figure 2, shows lin front elevation the forward end of an automobile and is in all vrespects similar to Fig. l, save alone that the body portion ot the vehicle extends in a plane that is not parallel with the plane in which the axle of the vehicle extends as clearly shown by the relative positions of .the headlights with regard to the axle. In

this view as in l1`ig.y l, parts that are not immediately connected with the invention are shown in dotted lines.

Figure 3, is a top pla-n view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Fig. l, and

sets forth the arrangement off our invention therewith, Vand like unto Fig. l, those parts of the view not comprised in our invention are shown in dotted lines.

Figure 4, is a top plan oi" the parts of the vehicle shown in Fig. 3, and is in all respects similar to said Fig. 3, save alone that the headlights and wheels ot the veat an angle to the axle thereof.

VFigure 5, illustrates, in front elevation, a dirigible headlight mounted upon its sup- .port and having its several parts constructed in accordance with our invention.

Figure 6, is a side elevation of 'the de- -vice shown in Fig. 5.

Figure 7, is a vertical longitudinal scction taken on the line 7 3?, through the body portion ot the headlight support.

Figure 8, is a cross'sectional view taken through the headlight support on the line 8 8, of Fig. 7, to show the relation of the llO arts coin'iiised in the su Jort with each P l Pl other.

i1 iguie 9, is a similar cross sectional view taken on the line 9-9, of Fig. 7, to Vshow parts of the Vdevice hereinafter referred to.,` Figureilt), is a top plan vieiv of the capV .vhicli preventstentrance oi moisture to the interior of the headlight support.

Figure 11is a longitudinal section taken through cap on line ll-lL Figure l2, illustrates inside elevation,

j the device which connected to the middle of the rod connecting the 'Wheel spindles, trans- Vinits movement to the rod which connects ,the headlight supports. 13, is a transverse sectional View.

taken on the line lll-13, oli Fig. 19, to vmore clearly show the construction of the'sanie.,

- Figure .14, vis a detail side eleva-tion of one Vnieinlicr of tlierdevice shown in Fig. l2. Y 1 JFigure l5, is alongitudinal sectional view tekenen the line Vifi-l5, through the dei/'ice shown in Fig l2, and c Y y 16, illustrates a nioditied'torrn l of the crank shoivnin 6, whereby trie headnReferring" tothe drawings wherein siniilar numerals` and similar parts, l, designates the body of a vehicle provided with our improved dirigV ble head lights, 2, the frame upon which iid body is inounted, 3, the liront nie of e vehicle, 4;, the v-,f'heels vvhch are mounted upon spindles 5, at 'the opposite ends of the axle, 6, designates one of the springs upon which the trarne el the vehicle is mounted and which is in the present instance, hinged at its opposite ends to links 7 pivoted in the usual n'zanner tothe opposite ends ofthe axle 3. i 8,. designates a rod which extends trein one to the other of Vthe spindles 5,

upon which the wheels are niounted, and said rod 8, is provided at each ot its opposite Vends with a yolre E), hy which it V's hingedto each of the arins l0, of Vthe spindles 5. The i'odfS, vis 't'urthe'r provided with an actuating; rod ll, which extends from one of the Vo'l an automobil? VVis toicoact ivewill noiv proceed'to describe the construction 0; such invention andthe yokes 9, upon the rodL 8, to connect with a steering Wheel not shown Vin the drawings.

le is to be understood that the several parts oi' the vehicle, above designated, 'forni no pai-t of our invention and 'only enter thereinto through their coniihin'ation Vthereivith.' Y i it is alsoto be understood that the'partic-l uiar type o construction oivehicle set, ioith V hyftlie'dravviiws, isnot 'essential alone in any way to the proper action of our invention as sii-1li will operate Vwith like facility in connection with vehicles of any desired type of construction. A -l aving thus outlined the particular parts with which our invention letters oit reference denote` manner in which it is mounted upon an autoinoh-.ile and iconnectedseith the operative parts thereoft ahovefre'ierred to, Vto coact therewith. Y Y Y 7 in carrying out `our invention we Yprovide headlight A, ot any desired type, with an -oiitivardlyand downwardly projecting` rod l5, which connect'edtothe headlight at 'any convenient point thereon preferably the middle of the back thereof, see Fig. 6,-e:; tends to and into an axial here 16, forined -iii the upper reduced end 1'?, of a cylindrical shaped .fitting 1S, ivhifchprovided upon its outer surfaeetor a part oi its length, with a series ofscrew threads 19,

preferably otsniall pitch- 'i s',"infpractiee, i ',moifinted inA a tubular shaped support 29, -that is 'provided upon its'inne'r su'riaceand l for a portion of its length,ivitli Vr.*s,eii" e,s or screw threads ,21, vet pitch siinilar' to that 'oi thethreads 19, upon the littingl, with which Athey'zare to engage-'see Fig. 7;

ille provide that the tubularshaped su'pport 20.V shall `he rigidly connected to the trarne 2, ofthefvehicle and to Vsuch end We provide such support with aprojegeting arin 22, han/ingV a 'flanged outer end 23, to he Y secured to sucli traine, see Fig; l. 2

pils above stated'the fitting d8, is to he mounted'v inthe support 2 and to such end ive provide that said "fitting shall, atv its upperend iininediatelifhelor: the fredur'ed v en 17, thereol. havean enlarhedcv indiical port-'ion or ournal 2li, iorined th n torsnugly tit a bemin-25," formed therefor in the upper end-of the support 20.

also provide that said fitting 18, shall,

iior'apart of its length at'its loiver poition,A hercduced ina diameter and thatsuch re! 't'iuced part 26, shall snugly t a. 4Circular aperture 27, Vtorined in the 'lower' the siipportQO, see 7. l

We 'further provide tliatithe upper end-oi the enlarged here of the support QQ above nd of the onrna-l'et, oit the lfitting 1S, shall he onti' wardly Vflared or inclined as shoivn atS, to

'torni i cylindrical shaped chamber 29, alioiit the reduced portion of the iitting 18, 'tor the reception oit lubricant to facilitate nievenient of the journal 24, ofthe-fitting; 8, in

its hearing: 25, `as ivell las the sereiv th eadcd pose of which` chamber iste aiiiord a refill() ceptacle 'for such lubricant inay Vdripfroin Y the screw `threaded .parts alcove, or it ee deemed necessary an additional supply of lubricant for facilitating the movement oi' the journal 26, of the fitting 18, in its bearing 27, for the latter namedpurpose We forin an aperture 31, through the support 20, as shown. 4

By reference to Fig. 7, it will be apparent that, because of the mounting oi" the journals 24C and 26, of the fitting 18, in the bearings 25 and 27, of the support 20, as above described, 'auch fitting` will be abso lutely prevented froinnioveinent in lateral direction although perfectly free to be easily rotated insaid journal bearings, and further that because of the engaging screw threaded `pertionsci' said fitting and support all ax' il'moveinent of such fitting in such support-other thanV the slight movementVV incidental to the action vott the screw threads upon each other-Will be prevented.

l/V providethe upper end o1" the fitting, 18, Witha cap 32,?Which, constructed as shown in 10 and 11. closely lits the reduced upper end or said fitting and rests upon a shoulder formed on said litting Vas shoivn; the cap 32, at its sides 33,v entends downward around the upper end of the support 20, see Fig'. 7, and thus excludes 'entrance ot' moisture tothe chamber 29, a sinall aperture 34, forined through the cap 32, perinits the passage of lubricant to and into the chamber 29.

- le provide the lower'end of the tting 18, With an axial bore A35, toY receive the uper arm 3G, of a cranlrand body portion 37,

' of which extends backwardly in the plane ot the curved Jortioiii of the rod 15 and thence i 3,0 downwardly to provide anl arin oo, Which at its lower end, is reduced sliffhtlv as shown c at 39', to provide ashoulder against aivasher el), abuts, which Washer in conjunction with a cotter pin 11, Voperates to hold upon said 'arrn38, one oit-the'aperturcd ends of a rod sa, which extends thence and is connected at its opposite end, to af similarcranl arm at the opposite side vof the vehicle. A

lvl/ve provide that the rod 15, connected with the headlight, shall be held in position in the upper end oi the litting`18, by a pin L13, which passes through the upper end of such fitting and rod as shown, see Fig'. 7.

The crank arni 36, is -in like inanner held Within the axial bore` 35, of said fitting;r 18,

' by a pin and saidY arm 36, is still further secured' to saidV iitting' by 'a jam nut 45, which coacts with the screv.7 threaded lo'iver .end or be i'itting 18, which to such end, is reduced ,in'tliaineten tapered and split for a portion'of its length, that the upward more# nient ot the jain nut thereon, Will operate to'draw the loiver end of the reduced part of the fitting into the closest possible contact with the crank arm 36. i

lille provide that movement of the-roel 8,-- .vhiea connects the arnis 10, of the spindle 5, together for-the purpose of turning the wheeled, l, of theh vehicleshall also oper `-that shown in Fig. 6.

ate to inove the rod 42, to turn the headlights A, A, in unison with and direction of said .vheels, to 1which end ive connect the said rods 8, and 42, together, preferablyv the niiddle of each thereot to nieve in unison when actuated.

To the above nanied end We provide that the middle portion of bar or rod 12, shall be enlarged upon its upper and lower surfaces and its opposite sides so flattened that it Ina;y be readily mounted between ears it.. Formed upon'the upper end oa short doi ardly projecting' rod, 46, which ltr-eel?,7 nieves up and down in short tubular section Ll-"Z, which is atene of its sides provided with a transverse groove d8, that extends, in depth, (Vite to the axial bore ot such section, see 1e'. 15, and which in practice is to receive trie rod 8, see Fig. 12, and to be held iii close enfrageinent therewith by a clip Vwhich encircles the tubular section 117, and the rod 8,to which latter nanied end is proif'ided with apertures 49, which lit said rod 8,- and claniped thereupon byscreivs 550, as shown in lTiU. 12.

in kpractice the rod lMil-Which is hinged to the middle of the bar l2, that the opposite'ends oi such bar are free to moved up and down as illustrated in Eier 2, through the swaying' of the body of the vehicle duc to ruts, rocks, uneven roadways, etc. Without exerting the slightest upon the operative parts t' the device.` and further is qualified to fulfill its 'functions bot-li in or out of alignment ivith'the rod 8, hy which itisI moved-is lirst placed in position in the tubularsection l?, and thereafter hinged to the rod e2,and when 'so placed vvill operate to inove said rod in unison with the rod 8 which, because of the disijiosit-ion oi" the tubular section 17, and its connection with said rod 8 practically immediately therebelonf.

` Freni the construction and arraneeifient of the connections Abetween rods 8, and it will be understood that the sniall 'torce necessary to swing the headlights si, ."L, in their supports will not in any wav be sutficieiit to nieve the tubular section 47, 'troni itseperetive position upon .the rod 8, hereinietore described.

Figure '16, illustrates :i modified loria oi5 crank which inay be employed in lieu of ln such inoiilii'ic-ition the crank arni is inade Without a l: nfl and is connected to the decreased lower end ot the iitting` 18, by screws or otherwise and has atits outer end a bifurcated portion to provide ears between which tohinge the end the connecting rod 412.

Further description ot our invention will not, it is thonghtrbe necessary to a clear understanding' thereof.

lfif e are aware that it is not nJ to so connect dirigible 1headlight bileg with the rod whichV connects the wheel spindles together, so that the movement of said rod will operate such headlight-s in the saine direction of and in unison with the other7 and we therefore do not lay claim to such construction. Y

VHaving thus described ourrinvention we claim and desire to Patent- Y 1. ln a dirigjible headlight mechanism a cylindrical litnient 'having its opposite ends reducedin diameter and provided with axial tocari'ya headlight and the lower one arm of a craul'to turn said fitment in 'its support and having such reduced portions transn versely apertured to permitV passage of a securing pin to and through said rods and having; the Vlower of said reduced portions proi i vided with an axial slit and with a-.tapering` 'screw threaded outer surface to .receive a nut to exert great pressure upon said Areducfeill portion and thepfi'od therein held and havingnear its upper end a journal of 1 large diameterv and near its lower end a Viournal of small diameter and having its `outer surface Vbetween said Journals provided with screw threads, in combination with a. support to receive said fitment such support having' an axial bore of large diameter from'its top to near Vits lower end and an axial bore of small diameter through saidy lower end to form a bearing for the lower journal ofthe fitment and having nearits upper end its axial bore increased to form a Y hearing;- of the upper journal of the litment i Aport rigid therewith, and means actuated by the steeringr mechanisurof said automobile and connectedv to turn the itnient and a Y: headlight rifri d therewith upon its support.

2. In a dirifgibleheadlight ,mechanism fory automobiles support to be rigidly connected to eachof thevoppositesides of an automobile. each of said supports having an axial bore'cylindrical in cross section and provided upon its surface with journal bearingsjand with a series of screw threads intermediate thereof. a cylindrical fitment to be mounted in each of said supports said fit; ment having a headlight and a crank 'secured respectively'to its upper and its lower end and provided with journals and upon its surface intermediate thereof with screw threads to engage and coact with the screw threads and journal bearings of the support.V and a connecting rod extending between and hinged at its opposite ends respectively to secure by Letters the cranks of the fitments ,upon the opposite sides ofthe automobile to turn saidfitments and their connected headlightsin ,synchrojnism, 'in combination with a rod extending between and connected to each of the wheel .supporting Yspindles at the opposite sides of the automobile, vertically movable connecf tions between said latter named red and the rod which connects the cranks of fitinents together 'to ensure synchronous thereof, and connectionsv between one of said rods and the steeringwheel ofthe automobile to be moved the -.inovement of said wheel 5to turn lthe suppor.ng wheels Vof the'wehicle and the headlights simultaneously in the san'ie direction.

3. ln a dirig'ible headlight mechanism for Y automobiles a support to beirigid-lyeconnect- .ed to each of the opposite sidesofan'auto- :nobile each of said "supports having an axial bore cylindrical in cross section and pro,-

vided with journal bearingsand a series ofV screw threads *therebetween7 a cylindrical'- itment to be mounted in'each off/said/supports `and provided with Vjournals and aseries ofscrew threads therebetween Ato en* rage and coa'ct with thegournal bearings and screw threads ofthe support and further providedupon its ,top with a. headlight Y sup ort and noon its bottom with a crank to turn said fitrnent when actuated,V a con-Y necting rod to extend between and behinged to the cranks upon thefitments at theroppo Y site sides of the automobileisaid rod having its middle portion enlarged, flattened and provided withjan aperture-'to receive Va pivetal pin, in combination'with a rodextend;

carrvinqspindlesfat the opposite Vsides of the automobile. a vertically disposed tubular fitmcnt rigidly clamped to the middleofVV said rodi a7 short cylindrical rod placed to Vfreclv move in saidtubular titme'ntfand havingrits upper end bifurcatedto provide apertured Vluno'inlo' earsY for the reception of the flattened portion of the rod which connects? the cranks `of *the headlightcarryinr lit-ment,

tion between said ears. Y A, Y Y

4l. ln a dirigrible headlight'mechanism for automobilesa rod entendingrbetween and ingy between and connected to thewheelV llll Vand a pivotal pin to holdsaid rod .in posi-V connec ng the wheel spindles at the opposite sides of anv automobile, short tubular litnient provided upon itsouter surface with transversely extending;F recess to impinge against and partly surround saidA connecting rod intermediate ofthe ends thereof,'a clip to extend about the tubular-fitment and apertured for the passage` of the connectingr rod.a and clamping` screws to hold said clip lee its upper end bitureated to provide apen tured ears, and a rod hinged at its opposite ends to the VCrank arms of the headlight carrying iitu'ients and at its middle between the ears of the plunger.

5. ln a dirigible headlight mechanism forl automobiles a tubular support rigidly con nected to eaoh oit the opposite sides of an automobile provided upon its inner surface Y with journals and a series of screw threads therebetween, a cylindrical' itment mounted insaid support having its upper and lower ends reduced in diameter and provided respectively'with a rod to Carry a headlight and with a crank to turn said tment and further provided with journals and screw threads therebetween to engage and coact with the journal'bearings and screw threads of the support, a cap rigid with said lit-ment to extend downward about the upper end of the support to exclude moisture therefrom, and annular chambers formed within the supports about the iitinent, a rod to connect the cranks upon the l'itnients, and connections from said rod to the steering mechanism to impart movement therefrom to said itment and its connected headlights.

In testimony whereof we hereto atiix our signatures in presence oi two witnesses.

FREDERCK it. WEZCOK. JOHN YV. FUNK. Witnesses: Y M. BnRNi/innrrn lniorer'rnir7 JOHN C. Knees. 

